Reversible polarization control of single photon emission

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Nanophotonics
• Molecular Physics

Background:

• Controlling light emission at the molecular level is crucial for quantum technologies.
• Single-molecule spectroscopy offers insights into fundamental light-matter interactions.
• Near-field interactions can significantly alter optical properties of emitters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve reversible and a-priori control over the polarization of single-molecule emitted photons.
• To investigate the influence of nanoscale metallic structures on photon polarization.
• To explore the potential for enhancing polarization control through nanoantenna design.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of nanoscale metal object proximity to a single molecule emitter.
• Measurement of the polarization ratio of emitted photons.
• Theoretical calculations using the multiple multipole method.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a factor of 2 variation in the polarization ratio of emitted photons.
• Observed decay in polarization tunability when the metal object is displaced by approximately 30 nm.
• Experimental results show good agreement with multiple multipole method calculations.

Conclusions:

• Reversible control of single-molecule photon polarization is achievable via near-field interaction with nanoscale metal objects.
• The proximity of the nanoscale object is critical for effective polarization tuning.
• Nanoantenna designs hold promise for further enhancement of polarization control.